Oceana announced Nina Dobrev, actress and ocean advocate, as its newest Oceana Ambassador. To mark the announcement, Oceana launched a new Public Service Announcement (PSA) campaign that features Nina Dobrev and her efforts to help protect the world’s sharks. Oceana is currently advocating for legislation that would ban the sale and trade of shark fin products in the U.S.
“I am thrilled to join up with Oceana and help fight for healthy oceans,” Nina Dobrev said. “I’ve been fascinated by sharks for a while. They used to scare me, but once I realized what amazing creatures they are, I knew I needed to lend my voice to Oceana’s campaign.”
“I was really struck by how graceful sharks are – and how uninterested they were in me. These are unique, fascinating animals and they deserve our respect. The U.S. has a great opportunity to set a positive example and help discourage the demand for shark fins around the world.”
Dobrev traveled with Oceana to Bimini, Bahamas earlier this year to learn more about sharks and see them up close. Her visit took her to Triangle Rocks to swim alongside Caribbean reef sharks and fish including black grouper, Bermuda chub, yellowtail snapper, and others. She also visited Honeymoon Harbor and snorkeled with stingrays, starfish, conch and nurse sharks.
As many as 73 million sharks end up in the global fin trade every year. Oceana is fighting to pass the Shark Fin Trade Elimination Act (S. 793/H.R. 1456), which would ban the buying and selling of shark fins in the United States. The bipartisan legislation was introduced earlier this year.
While shark finning is illegal in U.S. waters, shark fins – including imports from countries that allow finning – continue to be bought and sold throughout the U.S. The demand for shark fins is one of the greatest threats facing shark populations around the world.
Those interested in learning about the campaign can visit www.oceana.org/SaveSharks for additional information.
Press release courtesy of Oceana.org
